Thomas Joins Blues On Loan

Leek Town Director of Football, Neil Baker, beat the league’s registrations deadline to add to the squad prior to the home game against Carlton on Saturday when he took midfielder Michael Thomas on a one-month loan deal from Macclesfield Town.

Thomas, 19, signed on the eve of the season after appearing for Macclesfield in a pre-season friendly at Harrison Park in July.

The tall midfielder, who can also play anywhere in defence, is a product of the Macclesfield Centre of Excellence who broke into the Silkmen’s first team in September 09 and was rewarded with his first professional contract during the summer.

Other player news
No fewer than 7 squad players failed to get a shirt when the team was named for the first game of the season at home to Carlton on Saturday.

Out injured were Wayne Corden (hamstring) and Dan Cope (knee), whilst James McCarthy was away on holiday and Danny Holmes was sitting out a suspension carried over from last season for accumulated bookings whilst with his previous club Gresley Rovers.

Defender Tom Sellers has been loaned out to get some valuable games under his belt after recovering from hernia surgery during the summer. The former Woodley Sports full back made his debut for the Bullets in their away draw at Silsden on Saturday.

Meanwhile Ricky Bridge and Ben Nixon were the unlucky ones to miss out when the team and subs were read out before Saturday’s game.

Carlton review
Leek Town secured their first opening day win for four years when they beat highly fancied Carlton Town at Harrison Park on Saturday.

Director of Football Neil Baker included just five of last season’s squad in the starting line-up whilst five of his new signings were handed their full debuts and two others also made their debuts from the bench.

Blues turned in a solid, professional performance as the visitors survived legitimate penalty appeals, one in each half, but were undone by a solitary Matt Haddrell strike shortly before the break.

After the game Baker commented, “I’m absolutely delighted with the result and the application of all the players.

“However, we would have liked to have played a little better as we were second best in the second half but we defended manfully to secure the victory.

“We can only get better - there’s just one of two things we need to work on but the signs so far are good”, he added.

Blues stage Sportsman’s evening
Leek Town stages its next Sportsman's Evening on Friday 30th September at 7.30pm.

This time Blues’ guest will be from the world of cricket as the evening features Australian fast bowling legend, Jeff Thomson.

Thomson was one of the fastest bowlers ever to play Test cricket and was the opening partner of fellow the fast bowler Dennis Lillee - their combination was one of the most fearsome in Test cricket history.

The Ozzie pace-man played over 50 test matches during the 1970s and 80s and he will share stories and anecdotes from his career both as a player and since as a commentator.

It promises to be a fascinating evening in company of one of the acknowledged all-time greats of cricket who is always renowned for his outspoken views on the game.

Tickets are priced just £25 including a pie and pea supper and can be purchased through Matt Beeby on 07712 584356 or Gavin Bateman on 07891 750795.

Tables normally accommodate up to 10 guests but can be larger if required.

Away travel
Blues’ fans are reminded that the club will be running coaches to this week’s two away games and a limited number of seats will be available.

On Wednesday Leek travel to Hucknall Town (£5) whilst the following Saturday they make the trip to Grantham Town (£8). For further information please contact 01538 386 356.